Obey, and I get a pat on the head.
“Yeah, sounds good.” I swirl the eggs around my plate with the tines of my fork and glance over at the staircase. “We’ll see you there.”
Chapter 34
Stevie
There’s a knot in my throat when Lex and I stroll up to Nobu Malibu hand in hand. He flicks his cigarette ash to the wood planks and glances around at the expansive property. Sunglasses shield his eyes, reflecting the setting sun as it dives into the ocean water.
His fingers tremble around the rolled paper when he brings it to his lips. “Pretty sunset tonight,” he murmurs, facing the dancing ripples.
A few guests linger outside the restaurant in cocktail dresses and ironed suits. Everyone looks important. I peer up at Lex, squinting as I watch the sun splash saturated colors across his face.
I don’t think he slept last night. After he returned to the condo, having been gone for most of the day, he slipped quietly into his room around eight p.m. and stayed there. When I woke up sometime after midnight—as I often do—his light was still on, and alternative rock music was vibrating on the other side of his door.
I considered knocking. Checking on him. Asking him if he wanted to discuss what happened at the club. But my cowardice got the better of me, and I sat alone on the terrace, spilling my heart out to the stars instead.
When I shuffled back to my bedroom two hours later, he was still awake.
Lex’s hand skims my lower back as newcomers arrive in their eveningwear and diamond jewelry. I inch closer to him, allowing the breeze to soothe mymuddled mind and his breath to warm the top of my head. He leans down for a light kiss, dusting his lips over my temple and lingering for a beat. I shiver. Memories from the other night filter through me as I recall his mouth undoing me, every thread raveling out and leaving me helplessly bare.
Lex tosses his half-smoked cigarette to the ground and stomps it out. “Ready?” he asks, his fingers curling around my hip and guiding me forward.
No. Not at all.
But I have a role to play tonight for Lex’s mother, so I drink in a calming breath and nod.
We slip inside the main doors. It’s an upscale oasis where seaside views meet fine dining, and the Pacific Ocean stretches out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. I squeeze Lex’s hand, leaning into him, while we’re brought over to a window-side table adorned with white napkins and plateware.
Lex’s mother smiles thinly as she sips a glass of red wine, wearing a pink cocktail dress the color of vibrant azaleas in springtime. It’s a flashy counter pop to my black lace and tulle. “Well, hello there,” she says when we approach. “Thanks for joining me tonight.”
I force my own tight smile, trying not to internalize all the horrible, passive-aggressive comments she threw at me during the gala that first night. “We appreciate the invitation.”
“My pleasure. Have a seat.”
I share a look with Lex as he pulls out a chair for me. Whether he catches my plea for support tonight, I’m not sure, but he sends me a melt-worthy smile before taking his place beside me. A waiter stops by to fill our water glasses as Veronica Hall assesses me with squinty eyes and a drawn-on smirk that refuses to slip.
“So I see you two have reconnected,” she starts, placing the napkin on her lap. “And what a way to find out. That interview with Starline caught me off guard, to put it lightly.”
She certainly doesn’t waste any time.
Lex reads over the menu, ignoring the comment. He nudges me with his shoulder. “They have more than sushi. Maybe a steak?”
“Sure.” I clear my throat and return my attention to Veronica. “Sorry you had to find out that way. We wanted to make a splash.”
“And what a splash it was. Nearly drowned me.” She chuckles, tapping an index finger to her wineglass. “Tell me, Stevie, what enticed you to announce it there at the gala? Was that always the plan?” Her gaze slides lazily over to Lex. “My son looked a bit…thrown.”
“It was the plan, yes. We were going to announce it at the end of the night, but I thought it would be fun to get the ball rolling early. It wasn’t easy holding back…our feelings.” My neck burns. “We didn’t want to hide it any longer.”
“Fun,” she parrots. “Indeed.”
Lex adds his commentary, eyes aimed at the menu. “Stevie’s been handling the spotlight well.”
“Oh really?” His mother nods slowly, taking another sip of wine. “I’m sure it hasn’t been easy. Did you see those comments on that Instagram post yesterday?”
“Yes,” I croak, feigning a laugh. “Pretty brutal.”
“It takes a strong individual to make it out here. I know how much Lex appreciates the tools I’ve given him along the way. Not everyone is blessed with that kind of upbringing.”
